Will this pose a problem?

[azbigjohn]

I have a long term pair of Ocellarus Clowns that beginning several months ago became egg-laying machines. Almost without fail, I have a new batch of eggs every 7-10 days. Of course I never see try, just new batches of eggs

As part of a moving plan (they reside in a 210 gallon mixed reef) I will bevrelpcating them to a 40 gallon QT tank for several weeks, while I move the large tank out of state. There will be minimal rock in the tank.

I'm just worried that with the sudden loss of "nesting area" will that cause any problems with the female (egg bound, etc...) or will the lack of area to lay the eggs cause her not to produce any?

I realize it's a silly question, but I truly have no clue.

 

[Caseyoidae]

I moved a pair across town and they picked right back up where they left off in a new spot. No troubles but it seemed to take a couple months for them to restablish a breeding territory.

 

[Salty1962]

Unless they're highly stressed, they should continue. It may take a little time but usually after the clock starts, it continues running.

 

[cmcoker]

Mine have been moved several times, they pick back up when they are ready. One move she did look like she was ready to lay and I was a little worry she may become egg bound or something but she never seemed to have any issue develop. They are back to laying regularly again now.

 

[azbigjohn]

I appreciate all the responses!

I evidently was not specific about my concern. The two clowns will be moved (along with a few other fish) into a tall 40 gallon tank with minimal live rock while I break down and move my large tank; probably 3-4 weeks in total. So they will have nowhere to lay eggs for that period of time. Will that sudden loss of area to lay eggs cause any potential problems?

Like I said, I may be worried about a non-issue, I just have been really excited to see this natural behavior start up, and don't want to risk their health unnecessarily.

 

[cmcoker]

I appreciate all the responses!

I evidently was not specific about my concern. The two clowns will be moved (along with a few other fish) into a tall 40 gallon tank with minimal live rock while I break down and move my large tank; probably 3-4 weeks in total. So they will have nowhere to lay eggs for that period of time. Will that sudden loss of area to lay eggs cause any potential problems?

Like I said, I may be worried about a non-issue, I just have been really excited to see this natural behavior start up, and don't want to risk their health unnecessarily.

I'd be more concerned that if they decide to lay, they will pick a spot (even the glass wouldnt suprise me, mine have layed eggs on back wall of the biocube before) and defend it vigorously against the other fish in the tank.. So I'd watch for aggression more than anything..

 

[azbigjohn]

I'd be more concerned that if they decide to lay, they will pick a spot (even the glass wouldnt suprise me, mine have layed eggs on back wall of the biocube before) and defend it vigorously against the other fish in the tank.. So I'd watch for aggression more than anything..

Yeah, that is a worry... I'm hoping that the size of the tank (it is not a breeder, it is very tall and long, but only 12" wide) will give me some space...

 

[cmcoker]

Yeah, that is a worry... I'm hoping that the size of the tank (it is not a breeder, it is very tall and long, but only 12" wide) will give me some space...

Maybe leave a good spot to slip in an egg crate divider in case they get rowdy, haha.
I actually removed mine from a 54g tank because they were being jerks to a wrasse I added, time out didn't help so... Bought them a new biocube to live in, by themselves.